Dave Storlien (engine masters) told me that he can make more power in an NA engine with a short rod. Because the most important thing in making power is filling the cylinder. The quicker acceleration of the piston away from TDC on the intake stroke gets to sucking on the intake charge sooner, providing more momentum to the charge thru the remaining intake event. All subject to properly timing the intake valve opening to take advantage of it. And that the advantage of this improved cylinder filling surpasses the advantage of the longer TDC dwell on the power stroke of a long rod. Something to chew on...